rap back
C1 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To respond quickly and firmly, usually to something rude or critical — but this is a very uncommon expression.
Literal meaning: Giving a rap (sharp strike) back in return — responding with force.
Meanings
1 C1
idiomatic
informal
To reply sharply or immediately to something said.
"When the journalist accused him of dishonesty, he rapped back with a list of evidence."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
'Rap back' is not widely recorded as a standard phrasal verb in major dictionaries. It may appear in informal contexts to mean responding sharply or immediately, but learners should be aware this is rare. More common alternatives include 'snap back,' 'hit back,' or 'fire back.'
Forms
Base
rap back
I/you/we/they
3rd person
raps back
he/she/it
Past simple
raped back
yesterday
Past participle
raped back
have + pp
-ing form
raping back
continuous
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